Objective
for this Page: To consider whether the term “tragedy”
is applicable to our society.

Beginning in the late 18th century, Western civilization
experienced a massive transformation in the way society was organized. No longer was it
believed that God ordained some to rule and others to serve. The so-called "common
man" claimed his right to choose leaders from his/her own ranks.

A noble pedigree no longer guaranteed its holder the right to
command others (at least, not in theory) and no longer obligated the rest of us to bow and
scrape before him or her. Democracy--the belief that all men and women are created
equal--was the order of the day.

What were the implications of this new ideal for tragedy? If we
are all born equal, how can we have tragic heroes who "fall from a great
height," who are "of noble stature" and possess "greatness."

Some critics claim that tragedy is indeed dead, that it cannot
exist in a democratic society. But others insist that it can; only our definition of
tragedy must change, just as our social organization has changed.

Let's take a look at a play that often serves as the focal point
for the debate about the nature of tragedy in the Modern Age.

Assessment: Write a paragraph explaining your initial thoughts
on tragedy in modern times.Is a
tragedy possible?

The URL for this page is
http://vccslitonline.cc.va.us/tragedy/common.htm